Weird and Wonderful You

Zaila Avant-garde ∙ Illustrated by Kah Yangni

Hardcover

Published on Jul 22, 2025 | 32 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Jul 22, 2025 | 32 Pages

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Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

New York Times bestselling author and Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde encourages young readers to embrace what makes them different in this vibrant and uplifting new picture book.

We are the weird. The wonderfully weird, that is. When others blend in, we stand out.

Young readers will find joyful encouragement in this empowering celebration of individuality and self-acceptance. Through an motivating message and a series of inspiring quotes and affirmations, this book encourages readers to embrace their unique quirks and see them as strengths. It’s a colorful manifesto for anyone who has ever felt out of place or different, urging them to stand out, be proud, and stay true to themselves.

This book is a perfect gift for anyone who needs a reminder that being weird is wonderful, from one of America’s most exciting and unique young voices.

Also available from Zaila Avant-garde:
Words of Wonder from Z to A
Words Are Magic! (Step Into Reading)
Sports Are Fun! (Step Into Reading)
It’s Not Bragging If It’s True

"For any students who may need a confidence boost before the first day, this picture book, which reminds us of the importance of individuality, is the perfect gift for the new school year." —People

"A joyous, wandering book of affirmations for the wonderful weirdo inside each of us." —Kirkus Reviews

"Irrepressibly upbeat." —Publishers Weekly

ISBN 9780593568965 (Hardcover)
Published on Jul 22, 2025
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 10 x 10
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: P

ISBN 9780593568972 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jul 22, 2025
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 10 x 10
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: P

ISBN 9780593568989 (Ebook)
Published on Jul 22, 2025
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: P

Zaila Avant-garde

ZAILA AVANT-GARDE is a multi-talented powerhouse and a New York Times bestselling author, with success springing from all her endeavors. She was named SportsKid of the Year 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids.

Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, she won the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, making her the first African-American to win in almost 100 years of the competition. Avant-garde landed on her winning word, murraya—a type of tree—by associating the word with famous comedian Bill Murray, who surprised her by phoning in during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Avant-garde’s spelling triumph is just one entry on a very impressive resume. Along with competing in spelling bees for two years, Avant-garde holds two Guinness World Records for her basketball prowess. She holds the records for the most bounce juggles in one minute (four basketballs) and most basketballs dribbled simultaneously by one person (six basketballs).

Her success has been celebrated by the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and Dr. Jill Biden, who attended the bee. Since winning the Bee, Zaila has appeared in a cameo role in Netflix’s “HUSTLE”, as well as NBA on TNT, and Peacock’s “Kid’s Tonight Show”. You can also see her displaying her basketball skills in brand campaigns for Carnival Cruise Lines, BYJU, Xbox, and Gymshark.